Law and Health Policy: How Federal Legislation Addresses the Needs of People with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets accessibility standards for nearly all physical structures of health care facilities except for their furnishings or equipment. The Affordable Care Act addresses that gap by requiring accessibility standards for medical diagnostic equipment.

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The Rehabilitation Act, the U.S. Access Board, and the Americans with Disabilities Act all work to require accessibility standards for community spaces.

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How Federal Legislation Addresses the Needs of People with Disabilities: Data Collection

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The Americans with Disabilities Act's (ADA) "safe harbor" exception allowed some insurance plans to treat those with disabilities differently. The Affordable Care Act prohibits insurance companies to deny coverage based pre-existing conditions, like disability.

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For more information about evidence-based policy solutions to increase access to care and improve health for people with disabilities, check out this report from the Law and Health Policy project.